The decade itself is sometimes underappreciated, but there is no argument that this was a testing decade for producers, both financially and meteorically. The stars from the 1960s and 1980s might be Hollywood, whereas a 1970, 1975 or a 1971 Pomerol can be an unknown triumph at Stratford on Avon. However, some can be out of this world. Recent wines that I have tried in the last couple of years are - 1978 Chateau Giscours, 1970 Chateau De Sales, and 1971 Vieux Chateau Certan - all of which stopped conversation. 

The wine I want to highlight from our April sale is perhaps one of the wines of the decade and is a rare privilege to offer due to its condition and provenance. Forgotten about in a deep Suffolk cellar in an important house, Lot 87 is a magnum of 1978 La Mission Haut Brion which should be a rich sweet, concentrated masterpiece, where everything has resolved to create the perfect balance, complexity and texture. Although the temptation may be forgivably great... there is no rush to open it for another four years and celebrate that important birthday. I have no doubt it will make you feel that, like the wine, life is at the perfect place.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Tuesday 23 April (starting at 10.30am BST) at Forum Auctions in London, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available in person at Forum Auctions, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids through Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.

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